January 2011 Messenger - Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Holy Cross Lutheran
Church
15885 Los Gatos-
Almaden Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
408-356-3525
www.holycrosslosgatos.com
Inside This Issue
Counting Team, GEMS 2
Neighborhood Walk 3
N.O.W. Outreach
Woolies, Youth Ministry 4
Men’s Breakfast
Mission Committee 5
Holy Cross Scene 8
Treasurer’s Report
President’s Corner 10
Career Ministry 11
Recreation Night
Family News 12
Forget Me Not Prayers
Serving Our Country
Birthday & Anniversary 13
December Calendar 14
Holy Cross Messenger
Volume 46 Issue 1 January 2011
—Through My Window— Pastor Scott D. Perry
Dear friends in Jesus at Holy
Cross:
A Blessed New Year to
you!
We are in
the midst of
the 12 days
of Christmas
and now are
celebrating
the new birth in Jesus Christ!
We are also celebrating new
life in Christ in the new year
of 2011. I am excited for
2011 in the life of our church
family as it will be a year of
unity, blessing and growth
for Holy Cross. I am excited
to announce that Mr. Michael
Mueller has accepted
the Divine Call to serve
among us at Holy Cross as
Director of Christian Education!
Michael is very qualified
for this role and after
serving with the DCE call
committee, I really see how
God led us to call him. Michael
is also very excited
about what God has been
doing at Holy Cross and our
courage as a church to keep
reaching out to children and
youth and the whole community.
Michael will be moving
out here in mid January
and officially begin his new
role on February 1 st . We
will install Michael in both
morning services on February
13 th . Please join me in
daily praying for Michael
and our whole congregation
as we move forward together
into an exciting year of mission
and ministry through
our Lord’s love and help.
Sunday, February 6 th will
be our annual vision Sunday
with special guests, Dalton
and Vicki Jantzen.
Some specialmissionevents
will
happen in
January on the
3 rd at 6:00 PM
in the New Life Building.
We will be having a potluck
to meet agricultural missionaries
in Kyrgyzstan, Mike
and Ann Wade.
On January 12 th , Pastor
Michal from the Czech Republic
will present the work
of our sister church in Trinec.
We will begin with a pizza
and spaghetti dinner in the
Celebration Center at 6:30 to
meet him!
I found a couple of my
favorite New Year prayers
for you. This prayer in the
form of a poem, is meant to
be repeated the first thing on
the first day of the year. It
comes from the Scottish
Highlands in many different
versions.
God, bless to me the new
day,
Never vouchsafed to me before;
It is to bless your own presence
You have given me this time,
O God.
Bless to my eye,
May my eye bless all it sees;
I will bless my neighbor,
May my neighbor bless me.
God, give me a clean heart,
Let me not from sight of
your eye;
Bless to me my family,
And bless to me my means.
And during the New
Year may you have enough
happiness to keep you
sweet – enough trials to
keep you strong –enough
sorrow to keep you human
–enough hope to keep you
happy - enough failure to
keep you humble - enough
success to keep you eager -
enough friends to give you
comfort - enough wealth to
meet your needs - enough
enthusiasm to make you
look forward to tomorrow -
& enough determination to
make each day better than
the day before.
Lord, please help us to
use the 8,760 hours of this
year the wisest way we can
for you, and for your glory.
A blessed New Year from
our house to yours,
Pastor Scott, Thao and Andrew
and Justin

Page 2 Holy Cross Messenger
Prayerfully Consider being on the Holy Cross Counting Team. We need
your help for a couple of hours on Sunday after the last service.
Teams of two people count the offering each Sunday.
The more teams we have, the fewer times per year each
team needs to perform this vital service. If this is something
you would enjoy doing, please call Pat Helton 356-3525 ext.
222 or admin@HolyCrossLosGatos.com.
Holy Cross G.E.M.S. 60+ Gods Energizer Motivated Seniors
Thank you Em and Wayne Hopp for the wonderful time we had at your home
on December 11th. We had a total of 35 people at the Hopp’s home counting
them and three of their children along with all of the Holy Cross GEMS. The
food was delicious! Em baked a ham and other GEMS brought egg casseroles,
potato dishes, muffins, sweet rolls. We had a wonderful time eating and talking
and enjoying the fellowship of each other.
What a wonderful treat we had when Lois Banke played the piano and we all
joined in singing Christmas Carols. A good time was had by all!
January 6th G.E.M.S. brown bag lunch and movie at 11:30 in the Fireside room we will be watching
―The Way Home‖ about a dad looking for his son.
January 20th G.E.M.S meeting in the church library at 10:30. Please join us to discuss what activities
we will be planning for 2011.
January 27th G.E.M.S. Out to Lunch Bunch will go to The Spaghetti Factory 51 N San Pedro Street in
San Jose. You can meet us there or we will carpool from Holy Cross at 11:30. Please—please let me
know if you will be joining us so I can call and make reservations. We want to sit together as a group
and I need to call to let them know how many of us there will be.
Agape love,
Donna Jones

Holy Cross Messenger
January Neighborhood Outreach Walk
Page 3
Join us for an hour to walk around the neighborhood distributing Holy
Cross flyers to our neighbors living around Holy Cross. We just leave
the leaflets under the doormats, so it’s really easy to do. Let’s spread
the good news of God’s Light and salvation through His Son, Jesus!
Meet in the church office on Saturday, January 22 at 10 AM .
Contact Kathy Spenhoff (257-4851 or email at
k_spenhoff@yahoo.com) for info.
Kathy Spenhoff, Community Outreach Committee
Thank You Holy Cross!! N.O.W. Community Outreach Program
The Community Outreach committee wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who participated in
helping with the No One Wants outreach program again this year. We especially wish to thank the
Holy Cross Children’s Center for preparing all the gift tags for the N.O.W. Christmas Tree in our narthex.
We also wish to thank Boy Scouts Troop # 342 for assisting, once again, with our work day on
December 5 th ! With your servant hearts, you have helped provide gifts and filled boxes with food to
feed 100 families from the C.O.M.E. program at First Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Friends Outside
Program, veterans families, seniors at the Hope Senior Center, as well as needy families from our own
Children’s Center. May the Lord richly bless you for the gracious giving of your time and gifts to
these families in need.
--- from the Holy Cross Community Outreach Committee

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The Woolies will meet at the home of Donna Jones on Sunday, January 9th
from 2:00 until 4:00. Her address is: 15135 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos. We
knit or crochet scarves and blankets and donate them to various groups in need. If
you would like to learn to either knit or crochet, please join us. Call Elli Anderson
354-5825 or Donna Jones 356-6254 for more information about our group.
LifeLight Bible Study Resumes Jan 9th
The Sunday evening (5:30-7:00) LifeLight Bible class will finish up its current series,
with the book of Colossians on Jan 9, 23 and 30. This would be a great time to visit this
very meaningful class and see why LifeLight study is so special to our group. Call Fred
Martin (267-2873) or Gene Eckert (997-3878) if you have questions and/or for a copy of
the materials we will be discussing on Jan 9. It's great to spend time growing in the
Word together.
Holy Cross Youth Ministry
JH Youth: We have a large group of youth signed up for the JAM (Jesus and Me) retreat at Mt. Cross on Jan
21-23. Marie will be the lead chaperone, and we are looking for another male chaperone. If you are interested,
please contact Marie at (408) 416-3439. Also, if you can help drive the youth to Mt Cross on Friday evening or
home on Sunday morning, please give Marie a call.
Eighteen youth enjoyed a Sunday evening Christmas party beginning with a drive through Vasona Park to view
the Christmas lights, then back to church for snacks and a gift exchange. Thanks to Mike and Cynthia Fehrenbach
and Debra Mandanici.
HS Youth: Fourteen youth celebrated Christmas at their annual progressive dinner and ended with the
traditional white elephant gift exchange. Thanks to the Dillards, Russells, Renkens, Nathan and Alaina Sills,
Amy Burnham and Jeff Pederson.
The DCE we called came for a visit on December
19th everyone enjoyed talking to and meeting Michael
Mueller. We just learned he has accepted our
call. Please keep him in your prayers.
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, January 8th
come and join us for
Christian fellowship
and Bible study. Please
invite a friend or
neighbor to join us for this fun and informal group.
Contact Richard Lambie: at home 356-0055 or
office 551-2122.
What do you have for breakfast on Saturday morning?
Come enjoy the cooking skills of Leon Robinson
and join in our discussion.

Holy Cross Messenger Page 5Holy
Jan 2011 Messenger - Mission Committee
January is “Missionary Connection” Month
Two amazing opportunities to meet with our missionary partners in Kyrgystan and the Czech Republic have just
become real.
On Monday, January 3 rd , 6:00 PM, we are blessed to have a pot-luck and time of discussion with Mike and
Ann Wade. They are missionary partners with Kip and Ivy Hoeck in Kyrgystan. Come, see, and hear first-hand
from these faith-full witnesses in that mostly-Muslim Central Asia country. They will tell of how God is guiding
and blessing their efforts to provide agricultural assistance and share the love and care of our Lord every chance
they get. They also bring greetings and news directly form the Hoecks, our direct mission partners in that far-off
place where the Lord is working His amazing miracles. We know it’s the end of the holiday weekend, but if at all
possible, come to this wonderful opportunity to hear of God’s work in Kyrgystan.
On Wednesday, January 12, another amazing Mission connection!
Pastor Michal Klus, from Trinec, Czech Republic, will be here to personally share with all of us the wonders
God has been performing during the 8 years Holy Cross (and now also Shepherd of the Valley) have been
partnering with their congregation in the Youth English Camp ministry. Pastor Michal, his wife Sarka, and other
fellow workers in the Trinec area have become close friends as well as dear fellow workers
in this mission to the youth generation in their community. Come and hear his message of
greeting and thanks and encouragement as we continue this special mission again in July
2011. We will have a simple supper like our advent Wed fellowship times: spaghetti or
lasagna this time, starting at 5:45, then a sharing time in church starting at 6:30, followed
by Confirmation classes for the youth and a planning meeting for this year’s Czech mission
trip. We hope to have a reunion of all the people who have participated in the English
Camps during all these years – a special celebration. Join us for this unique chance to meet
and hear our close friend and mission partner, Pastor Michal. Part of the youth at a recent Czech English Camp –
what a blessing!
New 2011 Mission Opportunity With Our Vietnam Missionaries
We are thankful for Holy Cross team that is continuing planning for our first short-term mission project to
Vietnam. We will be supporting Pastor JP Cima and his team of workers in the area of Hanoi. This door has
opened as a direct way for Holy Cross to go there to encourage and participate in these ministries started by the
Engelbrechts that we have prayed for and supported for many years. The mission will include helping them in
areas of nutrition, English learning, health, education, especially children’s programs, and spiritual encouragement
for our partners in sharing the love of Jesus. The Holy Cross members now planning to participate are Marie Russell,
Amy Burnham, Pastor Scott and Andrew Perry, John and Alyssa Renken, and Brian Young. They will be in
Vietnam April 7-16, 2011. Great planning meetings have already been held, looking forward to this new opportunity.
Please contact Pastor Scott or Marie Russell if you would like more information about this mission. As
noted before, there is some wonderful on-line Vietnam mission trip information: go to the LCMS web-site
―Vietnam.lcmsworldmission.org‖. May the Lord keep leading us on this new Gospel Mission opportunity.
Continue praying for our Missionary Partners
The Engelbrecht family serving in Southeast Asia and Pastor JP Cima and his family in Vietnam.
Pray for our short-term mission team going from Holy Cross to help in Vietnam in April 2011.
The Norton family serving in Guinea, West Africa. Pray for strength and blessings on their work in
the midst of turmoil in that country. They are planning a period of time in the USA for additional
training for witnessing in the Muslim world and for educational opportunities for their children. Keep
these important plans in your prayers.
The Hoech and Wade families serving in Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. They ask for our continued
prayers as they personally witness of Christ’s love and care for the Dungan people as for all. Pray for
the Lord to work through the soybean farming projects led by the Wades as a way to help the people

Page 6 Holy Cross Messenger
and provide a way of seeing the love and care of our amazing Savior. Pray also for new
believers who are often pressured by their Muslim families and communities to renounce
their faith in our Lord.
We are so blessed to be connected in faith and prayer and support of these faithful servants of
our Lord. Thanks to many of you that wrote short notes to our missionaries the last few weeks – more
of those little notes are available through the Missions Committee to keep encouraging our Gospel partners.
See excerpts from a recent note from the Hoecks given below. We frequently receive updates
from each of them as they respond to opportunities God provides for them as they share the Good News
of Christ’s love in very difficult situations. God is truly working wonders through them.
Plan Ahead - Mission Committee Opportunity - Saturday, Feb 5, 2011, 9:30 AM.
Join us at this planning meeting for all the great mission opportunities ahead. The Mission
Committee meets about once each quarter to plan and encourage participation in wonderful mission projects
like those reported above. Several Holy Cross people are active on this exciting committee, Wanda
Olson (Vice President responsible for this area of ministry at Holy Cross), Pastor Scott and Thao Perry,
Art Larson, Linda Retterath, Amy Burnham, Marie Russell, Carol Weinrich, Lois Banke, and Joan and
Gene Eckert. Brian Young and Eliysha Fehrenbach have joined the group to add their great youth inputs
and ideas. Holy Cross is truly blessed for this on-going ministry spreading the Gospel in so many ways.
Join this exciting ministry team at our next meeting to be announced in the next Messenger. These
meetings are full of the Lord’s Spirit. We’ll be planning ahead for the first Vietnam ministry mission
trip, our annual bake sale in support of our sponsored student in Tanzania, the annual Bowl-a-thon for
Missions, the next Czech Republic Youth English Camp in July 2011, a ―Treasures‖ sale in Spring, and
all the other opportunities coming ahead in 2011. Questions? Call Joan or Gene Eckert, 997-3878, or
Wanda Olson, 972-0315.
A Portion of the Latest Note Received From the Hoecks, our Mission Partners
in Kyrgystan, Central Asia
Should I call 911 or 119?
―A‖ is the daughter of one of our soy farmers in Mike and Ann Wade’s
village. She and her mother are both receiving acupuncture treatment from me (IVY). The first time
when I pointed out a knot in ―A’s‖ shoulder that is often caused by internal stress, tears streamed down
her pale skinny face of elegant outlines. I asked her, ―What burden do you carry that is so overwhelming
to you?‖ ―A‖ is divorced with two school-age girls. In Dugan culture, the young divorced woman goes
back to her parents’ house for awhile and remarries again, since it is really hard for a single female to be
financial independent. Second marriages are almost always to older men who have their own heirs and
would not accept step-children. ―A‖ couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her girls behind. For the last
five years, ―A‖ and her children have been living in her parents house with her youngest brother, sisterin-law
and their children. That’s a big three- generation-family. But if her aging parents pass, who will
be her support? What will her and her girls’ future hold? I imagine these are the cause of her headaches
and sleepless nights. So I shared the words from Mathew with ―A‖, ―Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you rest.‖
On my third visit, knowing ―A‖ is sensitive to pain, I eliminate some of the pressure points from
previous treatments. While I am inserting the 4 th needle, ―A‖ gets dizzy. Getting dizzy is not uncommon
for acupuncture patients, especially when they have a fear of the needles and an empty stomach. Usually
withdrawing the needles stabilizes the condition. While I quickly pull needles out, ―A‖ becomes droopier
and droopier. Her face is as white as paper. And her head is tilting to one side. Sitting nearby, ―A’s‖
mother, with needles all over her one upper arm and shoulder, suggests ―A‖ to lay down on the bed
which is two steps away from her chair. So I put both arms under ―A’s‖, trying to crop her up. But she
has no strength at all, collapsing on the floor like a marionette without string. Her eyes are shot. Holding

Holy Cross Messenger Page 7
―A‖ on my lap, out of reflex, I start pressing the pressure point between the tip of the nose and upper
lip in order to prevent fainting. I remember once my acupuncture trainer said that if a person is fainting,
forget about this pressure point and call 911 immediately. In Kyrgyzstan, 119 is 911. How do I
call 911or 119 from this village where there is no paramedic? The nearest hospital is in the next
town. I call on God for help.
Seeing her daughter is going ―south‖, ―A’s‖ mother yells at the door for cold water. In the
meanwhile, I am doing everything to help her to stay conscious. Then the cold water is splashed
over ―A’s‖ face. Thank God that she manages to twist her lips and make a noise. Three days later,
in a follow-up visit, we laugh about that incident. ―A‖ told me that she fell asleep for hours that day.
She has slept well ever since. What a miracle! God did give her rest.
Kid’s Korner
Kayla (9 years old) The morning of our Thanksgiving party, Kayla ran to the
kitchen, flicking the light switch. ―Daddy wants me to tell you. Our electricity is
cut off.‖ That was 2 hours before a houseful of guests were to arrive. I tried really
hard to keep my thanksgiving spirit. The bill had come three days earlier. Our office
manager went to pay it a day beforehand, and they refused the payment until
Dec. 1 st . Then a guy from electric company came to our street and cut off the
power for whoever hadn’t paid. Reconnection by the electric company costs 300
com after 5 days of waiting. Or, that guy who disconnected it can reconnect it today at the same cost
but without giving a receipt, of course. An hour later, Kayla announced, ―the electricity is on!‖
Noah (12 years old) Noah and a few boys played ―broomball‖ on our back walkway using long
stick brooms made from the branches of local broom bushes and an old waffle ball. I notice the
brooms are now ¼ of the size they were. Shredded pieces of broom were everywhere. But they sure
had fun!
Join Us in Prayer:
God’s mighty hands to sustain Z’s faith and to protect her from losing her family. Update: Z and
R are currently staying married, withstanding the community pressure. Z shares deep appreciation
for your prayers.
Encouragement for both secret and open believers who gathered with us for prayer.
Kip’s request for a grant from US AID was approved for $35,000. We’ll use it to provide land
rent, diesel, and herbicides for our farmers who will repay us at harvest, creating a revolving
loan fund for future years.
We celebrate our 20 th wedding anniversary January 1! Praise the Lord, who is the heart and center
of our marriage.
―A‖ and her family to find peace in Jesus
In January we’ll participate in a two-week intensive training for chronological
Book storying. We need 2 more nationals to round out our team. Pray for wisdom
to ask the right people.
We wrote a contract to rent 125 acres for soy in one area and are still looking for 100 acres each
in two more areas. Pray we find good fields and that we’ll have a good ―harvest‖ next year in all
three places!

Page 8 Holy Cross Messenger
Holy Cross Scene
This has been a month filled with interesting events! On the three Wednesday early evenings in
December, members and guests came to enjoy the delicious homemade soups and salads at our
Advent Service soup suppers. Many thanks to all the busy volunteers who worked so hard for
us all. It was also so nice to see the people you see every Sunday clad in their ―Sunday best‖
casually chatting over the soup supper enjoying themselves. Afterward, everyone went to the
sanctuary for the midweek Advent evening services conducted by Pastor Scott and Pastor
Ken. At the first Wednesday service, Pastor Ken had based his sermon on God ... "He is not in a hurry, He always
has time to take time for us". Surely it's the basic Lutheran way to believe.
The guests at the Frederick's annual Christmas party were surely enjoying themselves. There were an amazing
group of Holy Crossites, each of whom had brought delectable goodies to nibble on, and a ""white elephant" to exchange.
There was no lack of conversation since everyone knew each other. There was a marvelous selection of
hot and cold dishes from which to choose to go along with the huge home baked ham. The Frederick's home was
an absolute marvel with the lovely variety of Christmas decorations both inside and out for all to enjoy. The white
elephant exchange of gifts began when Gwen called everyone to order, with a most delicate "finger whistle" which
worked, getting everyone's attention. It was a delightful evening, thanks to the splendid hospitality of Gwen and
Randy.
The 11:00 service - with the King's Brass - on December 12th was truly grand. The seven members of the fabulous
musical group were so elegantly attired in tuxedos with red embellishments. A real treat to listen
and watch them play the various Christmas hymns and carols. The sanctuary at Holy Cross
was absolutely filled to capacity by our many members and guests. Pastor Ken led us into worship
with a Christmas address, followed by the King's Brass playing for us ―Away In A Manger‖. Their
leader, Tim Zimmerman, led the youngsters in the Children's message, and reached through to
them with a special sense of humor which we all enjoyed. Several of the cute tots had recent birthdays,
and when asked "who else had a birthday at Christmas", they all immediately grinned and
came up with "Jesus". During the service, our own Holy Cross King's Brass Band joined in for a splendid presentation
of Christmas music.
Pastor Scott led us in the holy gospel from Luke 2, 8-15, continuing with a Christmas address which came right
from the heart. "It's our purpose to glorify and worship God, our everlasting Father". At several points during the
service, all the musicians were arranged in the aisles around the sanctuary. ―Angels We Have Heard On High‖
from all around us was superb. We all rose and joined in singing ―Silent Night, Holy Night‖ so gloriously, it
brought tears to our eyes. The King's Brass Band, together with our own Holy Cross King's Brass are surely two
most talented and inspirational musical groups. Heartfelt thanks to all.
How delightful it was to see our former DCE Betsy Eckert at church on Sunday. She was here just for a few days
to spend Christmas with her family. She and Matt will be moving to the Minneapolis area where Matt will be flying
out of that busy city. Betsy is keeping busy at a bridal store where she greets the customers and refers them to a
saleslady who best can help them. Hope they'll both be able to visit again soon...our loving thoughts are with them.
Our Holy Cross GEMS had a most wonderful get together luncheon in December. Planned well ahead, there were
30 guests at the home of Em and Wayne Hopp in Monte Sereno. The event started in the
exquisitely decorated living room with expert pianist Lois Banke, playing Christmas carols.
Thank you Lois, yours is a truly blessed talent which we all enjoyed. The guests sat
at delightfully decorated tables where everyone enjoyed all the many hot and cold homemade
goodies they'd brought to go with the ham Em baked. We all enjoyed the story
Em read from ―The Guideposts Christmas Treasury‖.

PHoly Cross Messenger Page 9
The Hopp’s home was so gloriously decorated for the magical season, and when Wayne was congratulated
on how superb everything looked, he expressed his thanks for our good wishes, also saying he
wanted to have it known that their last name (I quote) "had no letter E at the end and that was because
of taxes". Of course, that's simply logical, right!
Among those enjoying themselves were Joan and Gene Eckert who, when questioned, said they'd
known each other for many years when both were previously married. Now did you know that Joan
and Gene met at church and after a while, they decided to be joined in holy wedlock. Gene commented
―I had to get permission from Joan's parents before I posed the question‖ and now they've been happily
married for six years. Loving smiles from us all!
On Sunday evening, December 12, we all gathered for the annual Christmas Tree
lighting outside on the front grass area at church. A perfectly gorgeous 12 foot tree
had the lights already attached, and when Kathy Spenhoff led us in the " ten to one"
countdown, the tree lit up to a rally of oohs and aahs. Our Holy Cross King's Brass
Band played ―Joy the World‖ with Cynthia Fehrenbach on the guitar, we all raised
our voices in this joyous carol. Then, we all retired to the gazebo area where many
folding chairs had been set up, and were greeted by Pastor Scott. He read from
Luke Ch 2, the verses of which are so familiar and well loved. As the King’s Brass
played, there were ten adorable tots on the top step joining in the singing. Afterward, all went to the
Celebration Center to enjoy delicious snacks along with hot cocoa and coffee. Interesting to see how
many of the youngsters had become involved at the ―busy craft tables‖ where they were able to create
Christmas decorations to take home. All in all, a perfectly glorious Christmas season to remember and
cherish.
See you in church,
Lois Beltz
Treasurer's Report November Messenger
For those of you that are tired of hearing about our church's finances, I ask
you to double your prayers for the success of our church's mission before
moving on to the next article. In November, we spent according to the
voter approved plan. Many of the November expenses could not be differed
so we over spent our general fund income by $10,748.32. The full
HCLC financial picture will be presented at the January voter's meeting on January 23 rd . Starting in
January 2011, we will be making a major investment in our youth ministry with the calling of a
DCE. If you are a member with budget responsibility, you will have to look even harder at spending
less to accomplish your mission. I'm starting to think the trends we used to craft a realistic
budget are stabilizing. The church leaders will be meeting in the new year to discuss how much will
be available in the general fund and where to allocate it. Don't wait for a voter's meeting to give
your input. Your leaders are always happy to hear how you think.
Average Monthly Need Monthly Response Attendance (all services)
George Lutz
Treasurer
$42,187.50 $33,011.78 801

Page 10 Holy Cross Messenger
The President’s Report January 2011
“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!”
Psalm 96:1
Looking forward to a new year – looking forward to new opportunities to share the news of
Jesus with others and to care for each other in fellowship as disciples and members of the
body of Christ at Holy Cross. Try something new this year—introduce yourself to someone
you don’t know at church, greet our visitors and talk to them, connect with someone from a
different generation than yours and learn about them, invite a friend to come to church with
you, find a way to serve at our church in the various ministries or create or join a new small
group—for fellowship or for Bible study.
We had several opportunities to meet our DCE Elect, Michael Mueller when he came to
visit Holy Cross in December. Keep Michael in your prayers as he prayerfully considers
our call to be our Director of Christian Education. God has great plans for us in building a
strong, vibrant ministry-- bringing Christ to our children, youth and all our families here at
Holy Cross and in our community.
We’ll have our January Voters’ meeting on Sunday, January 23. Lunch will be served at the
meeting which will be held right after the 11 AM worship service. Please plan to attend to
hear the 2011 plans from our various ministries and an update on our finances and facilities.
The general fund contributions are considerably under what we projected in the July budget,
so please consider your church when thinking of what you can do for the Lord. There are a
lot of great things going on with our church from the cradle to the GEMS. Let’s join together
with a vision for growth and glory to God, spreading the Good News of Jesus.
Our leaders are going to meet in February for a three-day retreat to discover God’s will for
Holy Cross in 2011 and the next ten years---our 2020 Vision Plan! Please keep our leaders
in your prayers during this time of prayer, planning and vision. We will have a leaders’ dinner
in March for all Holy Cross committee leaders to follow through with the implementation
of God’s vision for His people. Stay tuned!
“Sing to the Lord, bless His name; tell of His salvation from day to day.” Psalm 96:2
Your friend in Christ,
Kathy Spenhoff
Council President

Holy Cross Messenger
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
“CAREER TRANSITIONS” MINISTRY
Page 11
The Career Transitions Ministry is co-lead by Tom Conway and Pam Livingston to provide assistance
to church members, neighbors and friends actively searching for new jobs, or considering a
change of careers, or seeking guidance in handling employment-related issues.
Over the past several years, this ministry has assisted dozens of individuals with sharing valuable job
search resources, networking and coaching. The class meets at 9:45AM on Sundays in the Church Library.
During this challenging economy, we request church members to assist others actively seeking work
by sharing names of employers with job openings and by taking our participant’s resume to your employers.
Most employers have an Employee Referral Program (ERP) to assist with their formal recruiting activities.
ERPs typically provide cash awards or other incentives to employees referring candidates for interview
and when actually hired to fill job openings.
Our class participants are currently looking for the following types of jobs: Executive Assistant / Office
Administrator, Contacts Manager / Administrator, Procurement Specialist, Business Development /
Marketing Manager, Human Resources Management, College Administrator or College Teacher, Music
Teacher, Medical Assistant or Office Manager, etc.
If you can help, send a company with job openings and/or your willingness to submit a resume to:
Pam Livingston: PamLiving@gmail.com or call 408.353.9830
January Recreation Event - Game Night! Friday January
21, 2011 7 pm in the Fireside room. Bring a game and
snack to share.
If you know any woman currently undergoing chemotherapy,
please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning
service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per
month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has
to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming
the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating
maid service in her zip code area arrange for the
service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently
has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job
to pass the word and let them know that there are people
out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this
information along.
http://www.cleaningforareason.org/
Dear Busy Hands & Caring Hearts:
Thank you so much for the beautiful scarves and lap
blankets. Your gifts will brighten the holidays for our
seniors. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and wonderful
New Year!
HOPE Senior Center

Page 12 Family News Holy Cross Messenger
DEATHS: The Lord's comfort and strength for Linda Suda and family at the death of her father,
George Gist; the family of Katie Mayer who passed away on Dec. 18 th .
BAPTISMS: Baptized into the family of God on November 27 th was Tiffany Joanne Fitzpatrick,
daughter of Christine and Shannon Fitzpatrick, granddaughter of Rich and Sandra Peters.
THAKSGIVING : We praise God for the safe return of Randy Hills who served overseas in the
Army for six years. Randy is transitioning back to civilian life.
If ever you have some special news regarding anyone in our church family, please let the secretary
know in the church office, 356-3525.
Linda Lutz,
Parish Administrator
Members who are Shut-ins:
Wayne & Emma Hopp, Sr.
Doris Lilley
Dorothy Scholz
Bill Meyer
Jean Piehl
Edna Sorensen
Bernita Stage
Renie Young
Dicie Walters
Carl Weiss
Family and Friends Needing Prayer:
(Requesting party is in parenthesis)
Aunt Marty (Diana Finato)
Barry & Joan Machado (former members)
Bernice Wagner (Mike Hughes)
Betty Conway (Tom Conway)
Brandon Philip (Joan Eckert)
Carol Cobb (Pam Livingston)
Dave Koch
Debbie Osborne (Katie Jasper)
Harold (Carol Weinrich)
Isabel Denny (Jean Caron)
Joseph (Pam Dovala)
Lydia & Clarence Griffith (Joan Eckert)
Orin Mead (Lisa Hughes)
Raymond (Linda & Jerome Retterath)
Shirley Schuchman (Diane Bromtead)
Vince (Rich Mirto)
Woehleke Family
Xander Swenson (Pat Donovan)
Forget Me Not Prayer List
Those Serving Our Country:
Aaron
Lindze Bare
Travis Bare
Scott Brose
Crystal Camp
Luis Caraves
Clayton & Michael Carroll
John Hill
Michael Horne
Chris Hutton
Jordan
Adam Madewell
Scott McGuire
Kyle Mattox
Jordon Statton
Anita Wolfe
Linda Lutz
Parish Administrator

Holy Cross Messenger Page 13
January Birthdays
2 Jill Arroyo
3 Estelle Paiva
Gerry Stage
4 Ann Jeffrey
Dorothy Scholz
5 Harold Nauseda
7 Peter Gorvad
8 Eleanor Anderson
Jenn Ceniceros
9 Brooke MacLean
Rich Mirto
12 Larry Andreasson
Ken Berry
Mackenzie Pistor
Kimberly Westrick
13 Cayli Merrell
14 Mary Lou Giesler
Timothy Hoque
15 Andrew Perry
Lynn Weisshahn
16 Larry Gorvad
Kirsten Westrick
Haley Young
17 Michael Hyde
20 Grace Ramey
21 Mike Fehrenbach
Bryan Gould
22 Daphne Depold
Betty Hayes
24 Brian Gunnar
Kimberly Pistor
25 John Gorvad
Rod Ulibarri
26 Bob Black
Robert Black, Jr.
Janelle Dickinson
27 Erik Black
Sharon Overholser
28 Lisa Hughes
29 Daniel Davis
Gabriel Davis
Rachel Davis
Jennifer Suda
30 Tyler Heucke
31 Ashly Overholser
February Birthdays
2 Becky Brondos
Christopher Hyde
Brian McLean
3 Curtis Oliver
5 Jaden Anderson
Cole Meleyco
January Anniversaries
10 Andrew & Maureen Meyer - 24 yrs.
13 Bob & Vicki Poulos - 54 yrs.
15 Ken & Danielle Berry - 6 yrs.
21 Doug & Laura Thurman - 17 yrs.
25 Mike & Patty Choate-Ciletti - 19 yrs

Sunday
10:00 AM Worship Service (Comm)
530 PM Good Tidings
7:00 PM C3 Servuce
2
8:30 AM Contemporary Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
2nd Sunday after Christmas
11:00 AM Traditional Service
11:00 AM Joy Singers
2:00 PM Woolies @ Jones home
5:30 PMt Good Tidings
5:30 PM Lifelight Bible Class
5:30 PM GS - Daisies Rms. 1-2
The Baptism of Our Lord
8:30 AM Contemporary (Comm)
9:45 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Nursery Home Ministry
11:00 AM Traditional (Comm)
5:30 PM Good Tidings
2nd Sunday after the Epiphany
8:30 AM Traditional Service
9:45 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Contemporary Service
11:00 AM Tradional Service
12:30 PM Voter’s Mtg.
5:30 PM Good Tidings
5:30 PM Lifelight Bible Class
5:30 PM GS - Daisies Rms. 1-2
3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
8:30 AM Contemporary Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Matins Service
5:30 PM Good Tidings
5:30 PM Lifelight Bible Class
4th Sunday after the Epiphany
Monday
Admin Mtg. 9:30 AM
Bible Class 10:30 AM
Boy Scouts 7:30 PM -
CC
3
Bible Class 10:30 AM
Boy Scouts 7:30 PM - CC
Bell Choir 7:30 PM
January 2011
Tuesday
AA Group 12-1PM
H.S. Youth 7-8:30
4
Wednesday
New Life Choir 12:30 PM
Nursing Home Ministry 1:30 PM
Good News Club 6:30 PM
Confirmation Class 6:30 PM
Finance Comm. Mtg. 7:00P.M.
King’s Brass 7:30 PM
Bible Class 10:30 AM
New Life Choir 12:30 PM
Nursing Home Ministry 1:30 PM
Good News Club 6:30 PM
Confirmation Class 6:30 PM
King’s Brass 7:30 PM
Thursday
GEMS Movie 11:30 AM
Sew & Grow CC @
Beltz home 7 PM
One Voice 7:30 PM
Friday
5 6 7
Saturday
9 10 11
12 13 14 15
Admin Mtg. 9:30 AM AA Group 12 - 1 PM
Bible Class 10:30 AM GS Leaders 6:30 PM -
Boys Scouts 7:30 PM CC Rms. 1-2
Bell Choir 7:30 PM H.S. Youth 7-8:30 PM
Children’s Center
Board Mtg. 7:15 PM
in Lib.
16 17 18 19 20
23 24
30
“A Place to Belong and Grow in Christ”
Bible Class 10:30 AM AA Group 12 - 1 PM
Boys Scouts 7:30 PM - CC H.S. Youth 7-8:30 PM
Elder’s Mtg. 7 PM
Bible Class 10:30 AM
Boy Scouts 7:30 PM -
CC
Bell Choir 7:30 PM
31
AA Group 12-1PM
Women’s Supper
Bible Study @ Ann
Jeffrey home 6:30 PM
Church Council Mtg.
7 PM
H.S. Youth 7-8:30 PM
25
Staff Mtg. 9:15 AM
Bible Class 10:30 AM
New Life Choir 12:30 PM
Nursing Home Ministry 1:30 PM
Good News Club 6:30 PM
Confirmation Class 6:30 PM
King’s Brass 7:30 PM
Bible Class 10:30 AM
New Life Choir 12:30 PM
Good News Club 6:30 PM
Confirmation Class 6:30 PM
King’s Brass 7:30 PM
26
Epiphany
Pathways Group - Lib.
2 - 3:30 PM
Women’s ChristCare
Group @ Suda home
7:15 PM
Chancel Choir 7:30 PM
GEMS Comm. Mtg. -
10:30 AM - Lib.
GS Leaders 6:30 PM - CC
Sew & Grow CC @
Beltz home 7 PM
One Voice 7:30 PM
GEMS Out to Lunch
Bunch - 11:30 AM
Pathways Group - Lib.
2 - 3:30 PM
Women’s ChristCare
Group @ Suda home
7:15 PM
Chancel Choir 7:30 PM
27
Disabled Veterans
7 PM
Holy Cross Game
Night - 7 PM - FS
Set -up for Pinewood
Derby - 6:30 PM - CC
1
8
21 22
28
BS Troop 342
Pinewood Derby
Celebration Center
Noon - 5 PM
29